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Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci
Originally painted in 1483-1490

Reproduction: Oil on Canvas, 20"x24"
Painted in San Francisco, 1999
Collection of the artist.

This is a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, of Milan. The ermine (weasel) she is holding is a traditional symbol of chastity.The original is oil on wood, 21" by 15"; my reproduction is oil on canvas, 24" x 18". The original hangs in Cracow. I was fortunate to see this painting at the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco in 2003 - It was amazing!

I was originally commissioned to paint only a detail of the weasel, but I couldn't bring myself to leave out the beautiful portrait.


All images copyright Gradiva Couzin, all rights reserved